Fusobacterium

Fusobacterium is a genus of bacteria that includes various species, some of which can significantly impact human health and cause disease. Here is an overview of how Fusobacterium interacts with human health:

1. Oral infections: Fusobacterium species, such as F. nucleatum and F. necrophorum, are often associated with oral infections like periodontitis, dental abscesses, and gingivitis, leading to tooth loss and gum inflammation if left untreated.¹Groeger S, Zhou Y, Ruf S, Meyle J. Pathogenic Mechanisms of Fusobacterium nucleatum on Oral Epithelial Cells. Front Oral Health. 2022 Apr 5;3:831607. doi: 10.3389/froh.2022.831607.
2. Gastrointestinal and systemic infections: Some Fusobacterium species have been linked to gastrointestinal infections, such as appendicitis and colorectal abscesses. They can also cause systemic infections, like bacteremia and septicemia, particularly in immunocompromised people.²Sato K, Matsubara T, Imai S, Hatada K, Mitsuma W, Kawasaki S, Hama I, Kamura T. Fusobacterium necrophorum Endocarditis with Liver Abscesses: A Case Report and Review of the Literature. Intern Med. 2021 Aug 1;60(15):2445-2449. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.6348-20.
3. Lemierre’s syndrome: F. necrophorum can cause Lemierre’s syndrome, a rare but serious infection that starts as a sore throat and can lead to septic thrombophlebitis, a life-threatening condition involving blood clot formation and bacterial spread to distant organs.³Valerio L, Corsi G, Sebastian T, Barco S. Lemierre syndrome: Current evidence and rationale of the Bacteria-Associated Thrombosis, Thrombophlebitis and LEmierre syndrome (BATTLE) registry. Thromb Res. 2020 Dec;196:494-499. doi: 10.1016/j.thromres.2020.10.002.⁴Lee WS, Jean SS, Chen FL, Hsieh SM, Hsueh PR. Lemierre’s syndrome: A forgotten and re-emerging infection. J Microbiol Immunol Infect. 2020 Aug;53(4):513-517. doi: 10.1016/j.jmii.2020.03.027.
4. Cancer association: F. nucleatum has been associated with colorectal cancer, as it may promote tumour development and progression. The exact mechanism and causality are still under investigation. It is important to note that the presence of Fusobacterium in a microbiome sample is not a diagnosis or even an indication that you might develop colorectal cancer. Your GP will be able to answer any questions you have about this.⁵Negrut RL, Cote A, Maghiar AM. Exploring the Potential of Oral Microbiome Biomarkers for Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Prognosis: A Systematic Review. Microorganisms. 2023 Jun 15;11(6):1586. doi: 10.3390/microorganisms11061586.⁶Fratila TD, Ismaiel A, Dumitrascu DL. Microbiome modulation in the prevention and management of colorectal cancer: a systematic review of clinical interventions. Med Pharm Rep. 2023 Apr;96(2):131-145. doi: 10.15386/mpr-2526.
5. Preventing infections: Reducing the risk of Fusobacterium infections involves maintaining good oral hygiene, including regular dental checkups and cleanings, and hand washing properly to minimise the spread of bacteria. When Fusobacterium is found in gum infections, this may be treated with antibiotics. In some cases, your dental surgeon may need to drain the abscess or to remove the infected tissues.⁷Afra, K., Laupland, K., Leal, J. et al. Incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of Fusobacterium species bacteremia. BMC Infect Dis 13, 264 (2013). doi: 10.1186/1471-2334-13-264

In summary, Fusobacterium bacteria play a complex role in human health, causing oral, gastrointestinal, and systemic infections. Fusobacterium nucleatum may potentially promote the development of colorectal cancer. Please note that finding Fusobacterium nucleatum in a sample does not imply a diagnosis of colorectal cancer. Understanding and addressing the risks associated with the presence of Fusobacterium species in your microbiome sample is vital for protecting the delicate balance of your gut microbial ecosystem.

Where to find Fusobacterium in the Chuckling Goat Gut Microbiome Test

You will find your Fusobacterium scores in the “Pathogens” report in your Chuckling Goat Gut Microbiome Test results. Guidance on how to work with pathogens like Fusobacterium will be featured in your Personal Action Plan. Please note that this information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your GP or other qualified health provider if you have any questions about Fusobacterium.

Synonyms: Fusobacterium species, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Fusobacterium necrophorum, F. nucleatum, F. necrophorum

Important disclaimer

The Chuckling Goat Gut Microbiome Handbook is an educational resource built to translate complex science into plain English. The information provided on this page is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your GP or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Always check with your GP for interactions with medications/health conditions before changing your diet or starting to take food supplements.

References

• 1
  Groeger S, Zhou Y, Ruf S, Meyle J. Pathogenic Mechanisms of Fusobacterium nucleatum on Oral Epithelial Cells. Front Oral Health. 2022 Apr 5;3:831607. doi: 10.3389/froh.2022.831607.
• 2
  Sato K, Matsubara T, Imai S, Hatada K, Mitsuma W, Kawasaki S, Hama I, Kamura T. Fusobacterium necrophorum Endocarditis with Liver Abscesses: A Case Report and Review of the Literature. Intern Med. 2021 Aug 1;60(15):2445-2449. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.6348-20.
• 3
  Valerio L, Corsi G, Sebastian T, Barco S. Lemierre syndrome: Current evidence and rationale of the Bacteria-Associated Thrombosis, Thrombophlebitis and LEmierre syndrome (BATTLE) registry. Thromb Res. 2020 Dec;196:494-499. doi: 10.1016/j.thromres.2020.10.002.
• 4
  Lee WS, Jean SS, Chen FL, Hsieh SM, Hsueh PR. Lemierre’s syndrome: A forgotten and re-emerging infection. J Microbiol Immunol Infect. 2020 Aug;53(4):513-517. doi: 10.1016/j.jmii.2020.03.027.
• 5
  Negrut RL, Cote A, Maghiar AM. Exploring the Potential of Oral Microbiome Biomarkers for Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Prognosis: A Systematic Review. Microorganisms. 2023 Jun 15;11(6):1586. doi: 10.3390/microorganisms11061586.
• 6
  Fratila TD, Ismaiel A, Dumitrascu DL. Microbiome modulation in the prevention and management of colorectal cancer: a systematic review of clinical interventions. Med Pharm Rep. 2023 Apr;96(2):131-145. doi: 10.15386/mpr-2526.
• 7
  Afra, K., Laupland, K., Leal, J. et al. Incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of Fusobacterium species bacteremia. BMC Infect Dis 13, 264 (2013). doi: 10.1186/1471-2334-13-264

Questions? Talk to a Nutritional Therapist on live chat!